Overview
The speaker discusses the core meaning of the gospel, emphasizing its biblical content and warning against altering its message. Key passages from Romans and Galatians are examined to clarify the gospel's nature, purpose, and importance in Christian faith.
The Gospel Defined
- The gospel is God's message, authored and owned by God, not to be changed or edited by humans.
- In Greek, "gospel" (euangelion) means "good news" or "good announcement".
- Three New Testament uses: as a literary genre (the Gospels), as the announcement of the kingdom, and as the message of Jesus Christ's person and work.
- The gospel centers on the incarnation, atoning death, and resurrection of Jesus, the promised Messiah and Lord.
Biblical Foundations
- Romans 1 emphasizes Paul’s apostleship and being set apart for God’s gospel, which concerns Jesus Christ.
- Galatians 1 warns against turning to a "different gospel" and declares a curse on anyone who preaches a message other than the apostolic gospel.
- The gospel reveals the "righteousness of God" and is received by faith alone.
The Kingdom of God
- The New Testament asserts the kingdom of God has already come in a real sense, initiated by Jesus' ministry.
- John the Baptist and Jesus both declared the kingdom "at hand", signaling its immediate arrival.
- Jesus, through his ascension, is now enthroned as King of kings, fulfilling Old Testament promises.
The Objective Content of the Gospel
- The gospel is not subjective experiences or personal testimonies, but the historical news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
- Essential elements: Jesus is the Christ, the God-Man, who was prophesied, died, and rose again.
- Without the resurrection, there is no gospel or salvation.
Faith, Salvation, and Justification
- The benefits of Christ’s work are received by faith alone, not by works or professions of faith.
- Justification is by possession—not mere profession—of faith in Christ.
- The gospel imparts an "alien righteousness"—Christ's righteousness imputed to believers.
Warnings Against Distorting the Gospel
- Any attempt to change, improve, or compromise the gospel is condemned by Paul.
- Paul uses strong language ("anathema") against anyone, even angels, who preach another gospel.
- Compromising the gospel to please others disqualifies one from being Christ’s servant.
Closing Exhortation and Prayer
- Christians should have confidence in the power of the gospel and resist attempts to make it more acceptable.
- Prayer for courage and passion to proclaim the true gospel and live by faith in Christ’s righteousness.